or maybe to france. white house with press secretary jay carney defended the idea, insisting that nondiplomats like ms. wintour can make good envoys. >> what qualities does the president look for when he's going to pick an ambassador? an important ally like france or the u.k.? >> you know, i think that the president in all of his personnel appointments looks for talent, wisdom and character in his appointees, and he would do that regardless of the position. >> is it important for a diplomat to be diplomatic? [laughter] >> one of the, i mean, another way of addressing that is to answer the question there have been enormously effective diplomats in this country's history who have not necessarily risen through the diplomatic corps. we had one of the greatest diplomats of his generation pass away not long ago, richard holbrooke, and i think everyone who knew him or sat across from the table from him would agree he was not by anyone's traditional definition particularly diplomatic. >> no. but he was also a br